Figurehead.



i. B. THURlVIAN.

FGUREHEAD.

APPLICATIQN FILED res. 11, 1916.

Patented Apr. 24, 193.7.

MMA@

UNTE@ @Tia PATE@ ldFlltl/E.

ISAAC B. THURMAN, OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA, ASSIG-NOR T() JOI-EN R. SMITH, OF MCDONOUGH, GEORGIA.

FIGREHEAD.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 2d, i931?.

To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, Isaac B. THURMAN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Atlanta, in the county of Fulton and State of Georgia, have invented new and useful improvements in Figureheads, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in figure-heads such as are at present used as an adornment for motor vehicles and are usually mounted on the radiator cap.

The object of the present invention is to provide a figure-head which, in addition to its function as an article of adornment, shall embody self-moving parts which, as to their form and their characteristics of movement, shall simulate the corresponding parts of the living or acting thing which the article, as an entirety, represents and which shall be readily susceptible of more or less continual characteristic motion. By virtue of these features of structure and combination, the improved figure-head produces a psychic appeal to the pedestrian, emphasizing the fact that the machine which it adorns is in motion and creating or intensifying the impression of speed. rlhe pedestrian is thus, unconsciously to himself, but none the less eiectively, warned of the near approach and of the fact of movement of the vehicle, and will subsconsciously exercise that care which will be the preventive of accidents in the majority of cases.

The invention, an embodiment of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, consists in certain novel features of construction, combination and relation which will be set forth in detail as the description proceeds.

In the said drawing Figure 1 is a side elevation of a figurehead in which the features of the invention are incorporated;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view on the line 2 2 of Fig. l, looking downwardly; and

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view.

Similar characters of reference designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

In the embodiment disclosed, the figurehead has the design of a bird, specifically, an eagle poising for iight, but it will be understood that the design may be varied within the limits prescribed by the mechanical features which constitute the invention emphatic address to the sense of sight and also their eifective mechanical action to be described; approximately horizontal pivot pins 3 connecting the members 2 to the opposite sides of the body 1 and about which said members have vertical vibratory movement, the

pivot pins 3 extending through bearings of sleeves l provided at the inner ends of the members 2; and a retractile coilL spring 5 connecting the members 2 to one another and having its ends secured to arms or lugs 6 extending laterally from the sleeves l and disposed within the body l.

In the present embodiment, the members 2 are designed to represent the wings of an eagle and their association with the body l is such as to carry out the illusion. The members 2 are of such length as to be perfectly balanced, in intermediate positions, i'. e., positions midway between the upper and lower limits of their movement and will respond sensitively and immediately to all forces tending to effect their vibration. The members 2 are preferablv in a slightly inclined or warped plane in order that they may be the more effectively acted on by the air currents developing counter to the movement of the machine.

When the figure-head is mounted on the radiator cap of an automobile or otherwise :it the front of the machine, the forces which tend to produce vibrations of the members 2 are developed by variations in air pressure and by the body vibration of the machine in consequence of the continuous action of the springs. As these forces are continually developed, so the wings 2 are in a state of continual vibration. lt follows that when the machine is in motion, the wings 2 will have a vibrating action and will produce a sus- =`tained visual effect similar to that of the Happing of the wings of a large bird.

I claiml. A figure-head comprising a stationary hollow body, laterally disposed members projecting from said body at opposite sides nA LA;

thereof and pivoted thereto for vertical selfinitiated vibration, said members having angular arms projecting laterally beyond their pivots into said body and a transverse retraotile spring connecting said arms, said members having such length that they Will normally be balanced in positions intermediate the upper and lower limits 4of their movement, and being disposed in planes warped or inclined to air currents passing under said members from front to rear of the figure-l1ead- 2. A ligure-head comprising a stationary body, a member projecting laterally therefrom and pivoted thereto, said member being of such length that it will normally be balanced in a position intermediate the upper and lovver limits of its movement and being disposed in a plane Warped or inclined to air currents passing under said member from front to rear of said ligure-head and spring means tending to move said member toward and hold it in normal intermediate position.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of tivo subscribing Witnesses.

SAAC B. THURMAN.4

' lNitnesses ED. M. PEARc-n, W. E. DOW.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for ve cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

